Dlamini BlessingIf your Admission Point Score (APS) is between 18 and 25, you still have plenty of study options at the University of Johannesburg. UJ offers numerous diplomas, extended degrees, and higher certificates designed specifically for students who may not meet the traditional degree requirements. These programmes provide additional academic support and serve as stepping stones to higher qualifications.
Low APS Score Courses at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Courses with APS 18–20
These programmes are ideal for students seeking practical, career-focused qualifications:
Programme: Higher Certificate in Sport Coaching and Exercise Sciences – APS Requirement: 18 – Additional Requirements: English Level 3 (40%+)
Programme: Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture – APS Requirement: 18 (Maths) / 19 (Maths Lit) / 20 (Tech Maths) – Additional Requirements: None specified
Programme: Sport Management Diploma – APS Requirement: 18 (Maths) / 19 (Maths Lit) – Additional Requirements: None specified
Programme: Higher Certificate in Business Management (Marketing and Sales) – APS Requirement: 21 – Additional Requirements: Maths Lit Level 3, English Level 3
The Higher Certificate in Sport Coaching and Exercise Sciences is an excellent entry point for students passionate about sports and fitness careers. The Jewellery Design diploma is perfect for creative, hands-on learners.
Courses with APS 21–23
These programmes are often extended diplomas or degrees offering foundational support:
Programme: Analytical Chemistry Extended Diploma – APS Requirement: 21 – Additional Notes: Laboratory-focused career path
Programme: Biotechnology Extended Diploma – APS Requirement: 21 – Additional Notes: Ideal for science and lab work
Programme: Food Technology Extended Diploma – APS Requirement: 21 – Additional Notes: Quality assurance and food science
Programme: Logistics Extended Diploma – APS Requirement: 19 (Maths) / 21 (Maths Lit) – Additional Notes: Supply chain focus
Programme: Operations Management Diploma – APS Requirement: 19 (Maths) / 21 (Maths Lit) – Additional Notes: Production management
Programme: People Management Extended Diploma – APS Requirement: 19 (Maths) / 21 (Maths Lit) – Additional Notes: HR and administration
Programme: Small Business Management Extended Diploma – APS Requirement: 19 (Maths) / 21 (Maths Lit) – Additional Notes: Entrepreneurship focus
Programme: Transportation Management Extended Diploma – APS Requirement: 19 (Maths) / 21 (Maths Lit) – Additional Notes: Logistics sector
Programme: Management Services Diploma – APS Requirement: 19 (Maths) / 21 (Maths Lit) – Additional Notes: Business operations
Programme: Fashion Production Diploma – APS Requirement: 20 (Maths) / 21 (Maths Lit) – Additional Notes: Creative fashion industry
Extended diplomas typically take one year longer than standard programmes but offer smaller classes and additional academic support, making them perfect for students who need extra time to adjust to university-level study.
Courses with APS 23–25
At this level, students can access extended degree programmes across various faculties:
Programme: Bachelor of Mine Surveying (BEngTech) – APS Requirement: 23 – Notes: Engineering field
Programme: BA Design – APS Requirement: 23 (Maths) / 24 (Maths Lit) – Notes: Creative portfolio required
Programme: Diploma in Architecture – APS Requirement: 23 (Maths) / 24 (Tech Maths) – Notes: Design-focused career
Programme: Sport Management Degree – APS Requirement: 23 (Maths) – Notes: Business of sport
Programme: Extended Diploma in Public Relations and Communication – APS Requirement: 24 – Notes: Media and communications
Programme: Physical Metallurgy Extended Degree – APS Requirement: 22 – Notes: Engineering and materials
Programme: Extraction Metallurgy Extended Degree – APS Requirement: 24 – Notes: Mining and engineering
Programme: Industrial Engineering Extended Degree – APS Requirement: 24 – Notes: Manufacturing and systems
Programme: Mechanical Engineering Extended Degree – APS Requirement: 24 – Notes: Engineering design
Programme: Accounting Extended Degree (4 years) – APS Requirement: 25 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Lit) – Notes: Business and finance
Programme: Business Management Extended Degree – APS Requirement: 25 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Lit) – Notes: Commerce foundation
Programme: Economics and Econometrics Extended Degree – APS Requirement: 25 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Lit) – Notes: Economic analysis
Programme: Finance Extended Degree – APS Requirement: 25 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Lit) – Notes: Financial services
Extended vs. Standard Programmes
Extended programmes are designed for students who meet the minimum APS but may need additional foundational support. Key features include:
Duration: One year longer than standard programmes
Support: Smaller classes and more individual attention
Curriculum: Foundational modules to bridge school-to-university gaps
Qualification: Same degree/diploma as standard programmes upon completion
Extended degrees are a smart choice if your APS is slightly below the mainstream requirement or if you want extra support during your first year.
Alternative Pathways
If your APS is below 18 or you don’t meet specific subject requirements, consider these options:
Higher Certificates
Higher certificates are NQF Level 5 programmes that provide foundational knowledge in a specific field. They typically require lower APS scores than diplomas or degrees. Upon completion, you may be able to articulate into a diploma or degree programme.
UJ Digital Short Learning Programmes
UJ offers free online courses through its UJ Digital initiative. These include topics like:
Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR
Financial Literacy – Be Money Wise
Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
African Insights
These courses provide digital certificates upon completion and can strengthen your application portfolio.
Lifelong Learning & MOOCs
UJ provides several Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that are freely available to the public. These are excellent for building skills and demonstrating commitment to learning, even if you’re not formally enrolled.
Understanding the APS Requirements
The APS system converts your Matric results into a numerical score. Each subject result is allocated a point value:
80–100% = 7 points
70–79% = 6 points
60–69% = 5 points
50–59% = 4 points
40–49% = 3 points
30–39% = 2 points
Your APS is calculated from your best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation). Many of the programmes listed below have requirements in the 18–25 APS range, with specific subject prerequisites (e.g., English Level 3 or Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy).
Application Tips
Apply early – Many of these lower-APS programmes fill up quickly due to high demand.
Meet subject requirements – Even if your total APS is within range, you must meet individual subject requirements (e.g., English Level 3, specific Maths levels).
Check NSFAS eligibility – Many diploma and higher certificate programmes are eligible for NSFAS funding. Visit the official NSFAS website for application details.
Contact the faculty – For specific programme queries, reach out to the relevant faculty directly. For the Higher Certificate in Marketing and Sales, contact Ms. Sandile at 011 559-1424 or [email protected].
Important Notes
The programmes listed above are based on the most recent available admission requirements
APS cut-offs can change annually depending on application volumes
Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee acceptance, as many programmes have limited spaces
For the most current requirements, always check the official UJ website or contact the admissions office
Conclusion
Having a lower APS does not mean the end of your university dreams. UJ offers a wide variety of diplomas, extended degrees, higher certificates, and alternative learning pathways for students with APS scores between 18 and 25. Whether you’re interested in creative fields like jewellery design and architecture, practical sciences like biotechnology and analytical chemistry, or business-focused programmes in logistics, marketing, and management, there’s a path for you.
Extended programmes provide the extra support you need to succeed, while higher certificates can serve as stepping stones to full degrees. With UJ’s commitment to accessible education through initiatives like UJ Digital, you have more options than ever to pursue your academic and career goals.
Disclaimer: Admission requirements are subject to change. Always confirm with the official UJ admissions office before applying.